ShareASale for Parents: What Happened and What to Use Instead

If you’ve been researching affiliate marketing, you’ve probably come across ShareASale.

For years, it was one of the most popular affiliate networks for bloggers, content creators, and parents looking to earn income by recommending products they already used and trusted.

But if you’ve tried to visit ShareASale recently, you may have noticed something confusing.

ShareASale no longer operates as a standalone affiliate network.

Instead, it has been fully integrated into Awin, another major affiliate marketing platform.

That leaves many parents asking:

• What happened to ShareASale?
• Can I still use it?
• Is Awin the same thing?
• And is it still worth joining as a beginner?

The good news is that the opportunities that made ShareASale attractive for parent bloggers have not disappeared.

Most of the brands, affiliate programs, and earning potential are still available through Awin.

Quick Answer

ShareASale no longer exists as a standalone affiliate network. It has been fully integrated into Awin. If you want access to the affiliate programs that were previously available through ShareASale, you’ll now need to join Awin instead. For parents interested in affiliate marketing, Awin remains a beginner-friendly platform that offers access to thousands of brands across parenting, lifestyle, home, finance, education, and family-focused niches.

The bigger question is not whether ShareASale still exists.

It’s whether Awin is a good fit for parents looking to build flexible income around family life.

In this guide, I’ll explain what happened to ShareASale, how the transition affects affiliate marketers, and whether Awin is worth considering as part of your affiliate marketing strategy.

What Happened to ShareASale?

For many years, ShareASale was one of the most popular affiliate networks available to bloggers and content creators.

Founded in 2000, it built a reputation for offering access to thousands of affiliate programs across a wide range of niches, including parenting, home, education, finance, and lifestyle.

In 2017, ShareASale was acquired by Awin, one of the world’s largest affiliate marketing networks.

For several years, the two platforms continued operating separately.

This meant affiliates could still sign up through ShareASale, access merchant programs, and manage their accounts as normal.

However, Awin gradually began integrating ShareASale’s technology, merchants, and systems into its own platform.

Eventually, ShareASale was fully retired as a standalone affiliate network.

Today, new affiliates can no longer join ShareASale directly.

Instead, anyone wanting access to the brands and affiliate programs previously available through ShareASale must use Awin.

For most affiliate marketers, this change has been largely administrative rather than disruptive.

The merchants, products, and earning opportunities have not disappeared. They have simply moved under the Awin platform.

For parents looking to start affiliate marketing today, the practical takeaway is simple:

You no longer need to compare ShareASale and Awin.

Awin is now the platform you will use.

Why This Matters for Parent Bloggers

The good news is that many of the reasons parents liked ShareASale still apply today.

Through Awin, you’ll still find access to:

• family-focused brands
• children’s products
• educational resources
• home and lifestyle companies
• budgeting and finance tools
• subscription services

In other words, the opportunities remain. The platform has simply changed.

Can Existing ShareASale Affiliates Still Use Their Accounts?

If you were already a ShareASale affiliate before the transition, you may be wondering what happened to your account.

The answer depends on when and how your account was migrated.

As ShareASale was integrated into Awin, affiliates were moved onto Awin’s platform and systems.

For most users, this meant:

• account information was transferred
• merchant relationships were preserved
• tracking and reporting moved to Awin
• payments became managed through Awin

The goal was to make the transition as smooth as possible while bringing affiliates under a single platform.

What If You Have Never Used ShareASale?

If you’re completely new to affiliate marketing, you do not need to worry about any of the migration details.

There is no separate ShareASale account to create anymore.

You can simply join Awin and start applying to affiliate programs through the platform.

In many ways, this makes things simpler for beginners because there is only one platform to learn.

Will Old ShareASale Links Still Work?

In many cases, merchants and Awin worked to ensure affiliate tracking continued through the transition.

However, if you have old ShareASale content on your blog, it is worth reviewing your affiliate links and account information to make sure everything is tracking correctly through Awin.

This is particularly important if you have older blog posts that still generate traffic and commissions.

Should Existing Affiliates Be Concerned?

For most affiliates, no.

The transition from ShareASale to Awin was designed to preserve affiliate relationships and maintain access to participating merchants.

The biggest change for most users is simply learning Awin’s dashboard and tools instead of ShareASale’s older interface.

For parents starting today, there is no real downside.

You are joining the current platform from day one and gaining access to the same types of affiliate opportunities that originally made ShareASale popular.

What Is Awin? (A Parent-Friendly Explanation)

Awin is one of the largest affiliate marketing networks in the world.

Think of it as a marketplace that connects brands with content creators, bloggers, influencers, and website owners who want to recommend products and services.

Instead of joining dozens of individual affiliate programs separately, Awin gives you access to thousands of brands through a single platform.

As a parent blogger, that means you can:

• apply to family-friendly brands
• generate affiliate links
• track clicks and commissions
• manage multiple affiliate partnerships in one place

A Simple Parent Example

Imagine you’ve found a meal kit service that saves your family time every week.

You write a blog post about easy weeknight dinners and mention the service.

If a reader clicks your affiliate link and signs up, you earn a commission.

Awin tracks that process and makes sure you get credited for the referral.

The same principle applies whether you’re recommending:

• children’s products
• educational resources
• home organisation tools
• budgeting apps
• family travel services
• blogging tools

The goal is not to sell.

The goal is to help readers discover products and services that genuinely solve problems.

What Types of Brands Are Available?

One reason Awin has remained popular is the variety of companies available.

Depending on your niche, you may find:

• parenting brands
• children’s clothing retailers
• toy companies
• educational resources
• meal kit services
• home and garden brands
• travel companies
• financial services
• software and online tools

This gives parent bloggers much more flexibility than affiliate programs that focus on a single category of products.

Why Many Bloggers Move Beyond Amazon

Amazon Associates is often where people start.

It is simple and familiar.

However, many bloggers eventually explore networks like Awin because:

• commissions are often higher
• cookie durations are usually longer
• there is access to a wider variety of merchants
• brands may offer exclusive promotions

For many parents, Amazon remains a useful starting point while Awin becomes a natural next step as their blog grows.

Is Awin Good for Parent Bloggers?

In many cases, yes.

In fact, Awin may be one of the most useful affiliate networks for parent bloggers because it provides access to the kinds of products and services families already use every day.

The key is not finding products to promote.

The key is finding products that naturally fit your content and audience.

Family Brands

Parents constantly recommend products to one another.

Whether it’s clothing, educational resources, toys, meal kits, or family services, word-of-mouth recommendations are already part of everyday life.

Awin gives you access to many brands that fit naturally into parenting content.

This makes affiliate marketing feel much more authentic because you’re often sharing products that genuinely help families.

Lifestyle Brands

Many parenting blogs also cover lifestyle topics such as:

• home organisation
• budgeting
• self-care
• productivity
• family travel
• meal planning

Awin includes brands across all of these categories, making it easier to find relevant affiliate opportunities as your content grows.

Physical Products

If your content includes product recommendations, Awin offers access to many retailers selling:

• children’s products
• clothing
• home goods
• gifts
• educational resources
• household essentials

This creates opportunities to earn commissions from products your audience may already be interested in purchasing.

Services and Subscriptions

Some of the strongest affiliate opportunities come from services rather than physical products.

Examples include:

• meal delivery services
• budgeting tools
• educational memberships
• software subscriptions
• family-focused apps

These often align particularly well with blogs focused on saving time, reducing stress, and simplifying family life.

Affiliate Opportunities That Fit Real Life

What makes Awin appealing for parents is flexibility.

You do not need to become a full-time marketer.

You can create:

• reviews
• comparison posts
• beginner guides
• resource pages
• personal recommendations

and naturally introduce affiliate links where they make sense.

The result is a monetisation strategy that fits around family life rather than competing with it.

The Biggest Advantage for Parents

The biggest advantage is choice.

Instead of relying on a single retailer, you gain access to thousands of brands and services that may be a better fit for your audience.

That flexibility allows you to recommend products and services that genuinely help your readers while creating additional income opportunities for your blog.

For parents building a long-term blog, that can make Awin a valuable addition to an overall affiliate marketing strategy.

Awin vs Amazon Associates: Which Is Better for Parents?

For many parent bloggers, Amazon Associates is the first affiliate program they join.

It makes sense.

Most families already shop on Amazon, and it is easy to find products that fit naturally into parenting content.

However, once your blog starts growing, many parents begin looking for alternatives that offer higher commissions and more flexibility.

That is where Awin comes in.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Amazon Associates	Awin
Ease of Getting Started	Excellent	Good
Product Selection	Huge	Thousands of Brands
Commission Rates	Typically Lower	Often Higher
Cookie Duration	24 Hours	Often 30-90 Days
Physical Products	Excellent	Strong
Services & Subscriptions	Limited	Excellent

When Amazon Associates Makes More Sense

Amazon is often the easiest starting point for new parent bloggers because:

• readers already trust Amazon
• almost every family buys products there
• approval is straightforward
• product links are easy to create

If your content focuses heavily on product recommendations, gift guides, or family essentials, Amazon can be a great place to begin.

When Awin Makes More Sense

Awin becomes attractive when you want:

• higher commissions
• longer cookie windows
• access to specialist brands
• opportunities beyond physical products

Many parent bloggers eventually use both platforms together.

Amazon handles everyday product recommendations, while Awin provides access to brands and services that may offer higher earning potential.

My Recommendation for Parents

If you’re completely new to affiliate marketing, start with Amazon Associates.

Once you’re comfortable creating affiliate content and your blog starts attracting readers, adding Awin gives you access to a much wider range of opportunities.

Think of Amazon as your first step and Awin as your next step.

Awin vs ClickBank: Which Is Better for Parents?

While Awin focuses heavily on established brands, ClickBank is known for digital products.

This includes:

• online courses
• memberships
• ebooks
• software
• training programs

Both platforms can work well, but they serve slightly different purposes.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Awin	ClickBank
Main Product Type	Brands, Retailers & Services	Digital Products
Family-Friendly Brands	Strong	Mixed
Commission Rates	Moderate to High	Often Very High
Beginner Friendly	Yes	Yes
Trust & Brand Recognition	Very Strong	Varies by Product

When Awin Makes More Sense

Awin is often the better fit when you want to recommend:

• recognised brands
• physical products
• family services
• subscriptions
• trusted retailers

Readers are often already familiar with these companies, which can make recommendations feel more natural.

When ClickBank Makes More Sense

ClickBank can work well when your audience is looking for:

• education
• training
• digital solutions
• specialised knowledge

Because commissions are often higher, a single sale can generate more income than many physical product purchases.

However, product quality varies more than it does on Awin, so careful research is important.

My Recommendation for Parents

For most parent bloggers, Awin is usually the stronger starting point after Amazon Associates.

The brands are familiar, the products are easier to recommend, and the offers often fit naturally into family-focused content.

As your blog grows, ClickBank can become a useful addition, especially if you write about:

• making money online
• blogging
• education
• personal development
• digital skills

Many successful affiliate marketers use both networks together, choosing the platform that best matches the audience and the recommendation.

How Parents Can Get Started With Awin (Step-by-Step)

One of the biggest myths about affiliate marketing is that you need a huge audience before you can start.

You don’t.

Many successful affiliate marketers begin with a small blog, a handful of posts, and a willingness to learn.

If you’re a parent building a blog around family life, these simple steps will help you get started with Awin.

Step 1: Create Your Platform

Before applying to Awin, it’s helpful to have somewhere you’ll be sharing your recommendations.

This could be:

• a blog
• a website
• a YouTube channel
• a social media account

For most parents, a blog is often the best long-term option because your content can continue attracting visitors through Google long after it is published.

If you haven’t started yet, check out my guide on How to Start a Parent Blog.

Step 2: Join Awin

Visit Awin and complete the publisher application.

You’ll be asked for:

• your contact details
• information about your website or content platform
• how you plan to promote affiliate offers

The process is usually straightforward, although approval times can vary.

Step 3: Complete Your Profile

Take a few minutes to fill out your profile properly.

Merchants often review applications manually, so a complete profile can improve your chances of being accepted into individual affiliate programs.

Include:

• a clear description of your audience
• your content topics
• how you create value for readers

For example:

“I run a blog helping busy parents start blogs, build flexible income, and balance family life.”

Step 4: Apply to Relevant Brands

Once approved, you’ll be able to browse available affiliate programs.

The biggest mistake beginners make is applying to everything.

Instead, focus on brands that genuinely fit your audience.

For example:

Parenting Blogs

• children’s products
• educational resources
• family subscriptions
• parenting services

Blogging and Side Hustle Blogs

• website hosting
• email marketing tools
• software
• online training

The more closely a product matches your audience’s needs, the easier it becomes to recommend naturally.

Step 5: Create Helpful Content First

Before worrying about affiliate links, focus on creating content that solves problems.

Examples include:

• tutorials
• beginner guides
• reviews
• comparisons
• resource pages

Parents are looking for solutions, not sales pitches.

Helpful content builds trust, and trust is what drives affiliate commissions.

Step 6: Add Affiliate Links Naturally

Once your content is helping readers, you can introduce affiliate recommendations where they make sense.

Good examples include:

• recommending a tool you actually use
• linking to a product featured in a tutorial
• comparing two solutions and helping readers choose

The goal is to make the affiliate link feel like the next logical step.

Step 7: Track What Works

As your content grows, pay attention to:

• clicks
• conversions
• popular posts
• affiliate earnings

Over time, you’ll begin to see patterns.

Some topics will attract more traffic.

Some recommendations will generate more clicks.

Some posts will quietly become your best performers.

Use that information to guide future content.

A Simple Awin Starter Plan for Parents

If you’re just getting started, keep things simple:

Week 1

• Join Awin
• Complete your profile
• Research relevant brands

Week 2

• Apply to a handful of affiliate programs
• Create one helpful piece of content

Week 3

• Publish a review or beginner guide
• Add relevant affiliate links

Week 4

• Review performance
• Improve existing content
• Plan your next affiliate post

You do not need to build everything at once.

Small, consistent actions are usually what create long-term results.

Parent Tip

Many parents spend weeks researching affiliate marketing before taking action.

A better approach is to learn as you go.

Join a platform, create helpful content, and publish your first recommendation.

The experience you gain from taking action will teach you far more than endless preparation ever will.

Awin Pros and Cons for Parents

Like any affiliate platform, Awin has strengths and weaknesses.

The good news is that many of its biggest advantages align well with the needs of parent bloggers who want flexibility, trusted brands, and long-term income potential.

Here’s a realistic look at both sides.

Pros of Awin for Parents

Access to Thousands of Trusted Brands

One of Awin’s biggest strengths is the variety of companies available.

You’ll find brands across categories such as:

• parenting
• education
• home and lifestyle
• finance
• travel
• software
• subscriptions

This makes it easier to find affiliate programs that genuinely fit your audience.

Higher Commission Potential

Many Awin merchants offer commissions that are significantly higher than Amazon Associates.

While commission rates vary by brand, it is not uncommon to find programs paying:

• 5% to 20% on physical products
• fixed payments for subscriptions
• recurring commissions on some services

This means fewer sales may be needed to generate meaningful income.

Longer Cookie Durations

Many Awin merchants offer cookie windows of 30 days, 60 days, or even longer.

That gives readers more time to make a decision while still allowing you to earn a commission.

Compared to Amazon’s 24-hour cookie window, this can be a major advantage.

Good Fit for Content-Driven Blogs

Awin works particularly well if you create:

• reviews
• comparisons
• tutorials
• resource pages
• family lifestyle content

These types of posts naturally support affiliate recommendations without feeling forced.

Scalable Over Time

As your blog grows, Awin grows with you.

You can start with a handful of programs and gradually expand your partnerships as your audience and traffic increase.

Cons of Awin for Parents

Merchant Applications Can Take Time

Joining Awin is only the first step.

Many merchants require separate approval before you can promote their products.

This can feel frustrating for beginners who expect instant access.

The good news is that acceptance rates often improve as your blog develops.

The Dashboard Can Feel Overwhelming at First

Awin provides a lot of data and tools.

For experienced affiliates, this is helpful.

For beginners, it can feel like there is a lot to learn.

Fortunately, most parents only need a small portion of the platform when starting out.

Not Every Merchant Is Beginner-Friendly

Some brands prefer working with established websites and may reject newer blogs.

This is normal and should not be taken personally.

Many parent bloggers start by applying to smaller brands before moving on to larger programs later.

Earnings Still Depend on Traffic

Awin gives you access to affiliate programs, but it does not generate traffic for you.

To earn commissions, you still need:

• helpful content
• consistent publishing
• SEO
• audience trust

Affiliate marketing works best when it is part of a broader blogging strategy.

My Verdict on Awin for Parents

For most parent bloggers, Awin is one of the strongest affiliate networks available.

The combination of trusted brands, higher commissions, longer cookie windows, and flexibility makes it a natural next step after Amazon Associates.

It is not a shortcut to fast income.

But if your goal is to build a blog that generates flexible, long-term income around family life, Awin provides access to the kinds of affiliate opportunities that can grow with your audience over time.

Parent Tip

Do not judge Awin by how many affiliate programs you get accepted into during your first week.

Focus on creating helpful content first.

The stronger your blog becomes, the easier it usually becomes to build successful affiliate partnerships.

FAQ: What Happened to ShareASale?

Is ShareASale still available?

No. ShareASale no longer operates as a standalone affiliate network. It has been fully integrated into Awin. If you want to access the affiliate programs that were previously available through ShareASale, you’ll need to join Awin instead.

Did ShareASale become Awin?

Not exactly. ShareASale was acquired by Awin in 2017 and continued operating separately for several years. It has since been fully integrated into Awin, which now manages the affiliate programs and partnerships that were previously available through ShareASale.

Is Awin free to join?

Yes. Awin is free for publishers and affiliate marketers to join. Once approved, you can apply to individual merchant programs that fit your audience and content.

Is Awin good for beginner bloggers?

Yes. Awin can be a good choice for beginners because it provides access to thousands of brands through a single platform. While the dashboard may take a little time to learn, the process of finding affiliate programs and generating links is straightforward.

Is Awin better than Amazon Associates?

They serve different purposes. Amazon Associates is often easier for beginners because readers already trust Amazon and the product selection is huge. Awin typically offers higher commissions, longer cookie durations, and access to a wider range of brands and services.

How much traffic do I need to make money with Awin?

There is no minimum traffic requirement to join Awin. However, earning commissions depends on attracting the right audience and creating helpful content that solves real problems. Many bloggers focus on building traffic first and see affiliate earnings grow alongside it.

What types of products can parents promote through Awin?

Parents can find affiliate programs covering:

• children’s products
• family subscriptions
• educational resources
• meal kits
• clothing
• home organisation
• budgeting tools
• travel services
• blogging and business tools

The best opportunities are usually the ones that naturally fit your audience and personal experience.

Can parent bloggers really make money with Awin?

Yes, but it takes time. Most successful parent bloggers earn commissions by consistently creating helpful content, building trust with readers, and recommending products or services that genuinely solve problems. Affiliate marketing works best as a long-term strategy rather than a quick-income solution.

Final Word: ShareASale May Be Gone, But the Opportunity Remains

If you came here looking for ShareASale, the biggest takeaway is simple:

ShareASale may no longer exist as a standalone platform, but the affiliate marketing opportunities that made it popular are still available through Awin.

For parent bloggers, that is good news.

You still have access to:

• trusted brands
• family-focused products
• useful services
• higher commission opportunities
• flexible ways to earn around family life

The platform has changed, but the core idea remains the same.

You help people discover products and services that solve real problems, and you earn a commission when they decide to take action.

The parents who succeed with affiliate marketing are rarely the ones chasing shortcuts.

They are the ones who consistently create helpful content, build trust with their audience, and recommend products they genuinely believe in.

That approach worked with ShareASale.

It works with Awin.

And it will continue working regardless of which affiliate networks come and go in the future.

Parent Tip

Do not worry about joining every affiliate network immediately.

Start with one platform, learn how affiliate marketing works, and focus on helping your audience first.

The income usually follows the value you create.

Ready to Build an Affiliate Marketing Strategy Around Family Life?

Affiliate marketing becomes much easier when you understand how blogging, SEO, content creation, and monetisation fit together.

That is exactly why I recommend Wealthy Affiliate to parents who want a structured way to learn.

Inside, you’ll find:

• beginner-friendly training
• website hosting
• keyword research tools
• content creation support
• a community of people building online income

all designed to help you grow at your own pace.

If you’d like to see how it works, check out my full Wealthy Affiliate Review and decide whether it’s the right next step for your family.

You do not need to figure everything out alone.

Let’s Chat

Had you heard that ShareASale became Awin before reading this guide?

Or were you searching for ShareASale and wondering where it had gone?

I’d also love to know:

• Have you used Awin before?
• Are you currently using Amazon Associates?
• Which affiliate network has been easiest for you to understand so far?

Drop a comment below and share your experience.

Your insights might help another parent decide which affiliate platform to explore next.